Politics, Schmalitics

I hate politics.

There was a time, growing up in a politically active family, that I embraced it.  My dad worked for the city for many years, his job linked to whoever was mayor at the time.  Mom and I often went to the fund-raisers when I was a teen.  Grandma D was a judge of elections.  Grandpa D knew everyone.  Relatives and friends ran for office. It was exhilarating.

Dad's family were Kennedy Democrats, and I followed suit. When Mrs. Shallop told our 7th grade geography class that JFK had been shot, I cried with everyone else.  When George McGovern lost his presidential bid, I wore black to work the next day.  I even considered running for office myself, but family opinion halted that idea.

Things have changed. 

I am so sick of CNN and FOX that I could scream.  I'm sick of political rhetoric.   Talking heads bore me to tears.  Dogmatic proclamations from either side anger me.  I'm tired of conservatives versus liberals.  Sick, sick, sick of it all.

I believe in the American system; I am not an anarchist.  I have voted in every primary, on every November ballot since I was twenty-one.  I respect the concept of a representational republic, even if I don't agree with the platform of the candidate.  This year I applied to work at the polls in my district.  I work with politics, I live with it.  I still hate it.

My biggest problem with politics is how divisive it is.  I fail to comprehend how supposed adults can let elephants and donkeys determine their friendships.  Elephants, if tethered to a post as a youngster, will still believe they are tied even when the rope is removed; we all know that "donkey" is just a nicer name for "jackass".  Why can't we enjoy the same music, share common interests, eat Chinese food or go fishing and forget for a moment which party is in power?

It makes little sense.

I am Caucasian and Christian.  I am closest to being a Libertarian--let the government stay out of my business, decriminalize the pot, take care of yourself or starve.  My friends are white, black and Oriental.  Some are Christian, some are Jewish, Buddhists or atheists.  Some are conservatives, some progressive liberals.  Some even like cats.  It is their choice.  We accept each other for the insides and the commonality, not the trappings.  Each person fills a different void, a different pigeon-hole in my roll-top.  Politics?  File it under "W" for "waste".

Right wing, left wing, who cares?  After all, it takes two wings to make a bird fly.